This AAR starts in 1942 - the first year of war with the Soviets and the US! 1939-1941 saw a heavy German effort against Britain and the West. It looked as if I might have a chance to invade Britain, but Jan's heavy investment in artillery ultimately foiled my plan. What I did get was the Mediterranean - including Malta, Egypt - Iraq, and Gibraltar. A turn after I seized Gibraltar - Portugal activated. But Jan declined it. A couple turns after Gibraltar was seized, Franco decided to join. The end of 1941 saw successful sorties against the British fleet - with support from the Luftwaffe. Note the significant damage done by the Japanese and German to the Western Allied fleet - the German success was aided by the fact that a good chunk of the Royal Navy was isolated in the Indian Ocean and not available for the battle of the Atlantic. The Axis navies essentially controlled the Atlantic and England was isolated as 1941 drew to a close. The Axis even landed a few forces in Africa. But the Soviets and the US were close to coming in, so I decided to turn East.
The first few turns of 1942 saw some initial success against the Soviets - with an encirclement of Poland leading to large number of prisoners. In fact, I was beginning to think success against the Soviets was still possible. Unfortunately, these hopes were dashed when Jan successfully invaded France in Summer of '42.
As for Japan, 1939-1941 had seen Japanese incursions into China and the fall of Chunking. Jan supported the Chinese through good times and bad, and was rewarded by annoying frequent AA hits on my heavy bombers. The Chinese army began the "long march" and successfully retreated a sizeable force East. As for the Pacific, Japan was in a better position since the Western Allied production had taken a hit from the German efforts. Further, Jan focused on a "Germany first" strategy. The Japanese moved toward India, isolated and seized the greater east asian co-prosperity sphere, and kept a strong naval force - including carriers - on watch against the US pacific fleet.
Sometime near the beginning of my turn, here are the destroyed and damaged units so far.
